Matthew Cainey, 53, a beloved father, was tragically murdered in Gloucester on May 28, leaving his family heartbroken. Described by loved ones as a “happy and cheeky man” who deeply cherished his friends and family, Matthew’s life was cut short in a devastating stabbing incident at a flat on Bedford Street.
Kane Kotwica, 39, of Bibury Road, Gloucester, was found guilty today at Bristol Crown Court of Matthew’s murder, as well as two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent for seriously injuring two other men during the same violent attack.
Matthew’s family expressed their sorrow and gratitude following the verdict, stating: “Dad was always there for the people he cared about, and that showed when his friends stood by him during the trial. We are heartbroken this has happened. This is not how any life should end. We thank Gloucestershire Constabulary for their incredible work in achieving justice.”
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During the three-week trial, it emerged that tension escalated inside the flat where Kotwica, Matthew, two other men, and two women were present. After an argument and an initial attempt to intimidate one man with a knife—disarmed by a woman—Kotwica left the flat but returned approximately ninety minutes later armed with a concealed knife.
Upon re-entry, Kotwica stabbed Matthew once in the chest in the hallway, inflicting a fatal wound. Two other men trying to restrain him were also stabbed seriously; one required life-saving surgery for a chest wound, while the other suffered a severe neck injury.
Evidence presented included footage from a doorbell camera capturing the attack and CCTV showing Kotwica discarding the weapon into a drain. Following arrest by armed officers, Kotwica was charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder; he was ultimately convicted of murder and grievous bodily harm with intent after claiming self-defense.
Detective Inspector Adam Stacey described Kotwica as “a very dangerous and violent individual” whose “premeditated cowardly attack” robbed a family of their loved one and caused grave harm to others. Kotwica remains in custody and is scheduled for sentencing at Bristol Crown Court on December 10.